CHILD SUPPORT

New York has adopted a Child Support Standards Act (CSSA). The basic child support obligation to be paid by the non-custodial parent is based upon a percentage of the combined parental income. For one child the amount is 17%, for two children 25%, for three children 29%, for four children 31%, and for five or more children 35%. In addition to the basic child support obligation, the non-custodial parent may be obligated to pay for a portion of child care.Health care expenses for the children are also apportioned between the parents based upon their combined parental income. Neither parent has any obligation to support a child once the child reaches 21 years of age. Child support may end before 21 years of age under certain circumstances such as the gainful employment of the child or the child’s willful refusal to maintain a relationship with the non-custodial parent.